Discussion on justice from both legal (American) and spiritual (Buddhist) perspectives.
Authors' backgrounds: former prosecutor and criminal defense attorney, Buddhist Insight Meditation teachers, women of color.
American Justice
Legal Framework: Rooted in English common law, based on a social contract.
Government expected to resolve culpability fairly.
Principles: "innocent until proven guilty", government must establish criminal intent and action.
High standard of proof: "beyond a reasonable doubt".
Systemic Issues:
James Baldwin highlights the need to understand justice through the experiences of the unprotected.
African Americans face a fundamentally different system due to racism; systemic white supremacy.
Presumption of innocence often not applied to African Americans.
Racism creates narratives that deny African Americans protections and fairness.
Buddhist Perspective on Justice
Dharma and Karma:
Emphasis on intentions and moral consequences of actions (law of karma).
Understanding that the intricacies of karma are imponderable, yet impactful.
Ethical Conduct and Harmlessness:
Dharma encourages actions rooted in harmlessness, countering cruelty.
Wise intention (second factor of the noble eightfold path) advocates for the cultivation of harmlessness.
Ethical precepts (non-killing, non-stealing, etc.) promote freedom from fear and enmity for countless beings.
Justice and Dharma:
Dharma sees justice in recognizing intrinsic value and dignity in all.
Non-action is not advised; Buddhist teachings encourage fostering compassionate actions.
Implications for Society
Karma suggests broader, unseen results of actions rooted in harmlessness.
Trust in the power of goodness and justice rooted in dignity could help dismantle white supremacy.
Encourages perseverance towards greater justice, even when immediate results are not visible.
Conclusion
Buddhist practices offer a lens to view justice that transcends conventional systems.
The teachings suggest ways to respond to harm with equanimity and compassion, aiming to create conditions for greater justice and freedom from affliction for all beings.